George III Silver Tea Caddy

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Object Description

An unusual antique silver tea caddy box of curved rectangular form. Lovely classic style. This is a double caddy designed for both black and green tea. Beautifully engraved to the lid and body with leaf borders and a thick band of foliate scrolls with interspersed flowerheads. To the front is a monogram in old fashioned script. The fixed carrying handle has a reed and acanthus decoration. The unusual double opening lid has an inset hinge and there is a lock to either side. Key provided.

Weight 661 grams, 21.2 troy ounces.

Height 12.2 cm, 19.6 cm to top of handle. Top measures 15.5 x 12.2 cm.

London 1806.

Maker John Emes.

Marks. Stamped underneath with a full set of English silver hallmarks, the lids are part marked.

JOHN EMES
This manufacturing silversmiths was originally established by Anthony Nelme c.1680 passing to Francis Nelme on his death in 1722. Thomas Whipham took over in 1739, passing it to his son Thomas Whipham jr in 1756 who took into partnership Charles Wright.

Henry Chawner took over the business in 1786; Chawner had been Edward Barnard I’s master and Barnard’s son Edward became foreman of the firm.
In 1796 John Emes became a partner and when Chawner retired Emes took over keeping Edward Barnard II as manager. Emes died in 1808 and his widow Rebecca took Edward Barnard II as partner.
In 1829 Edward Barnard I became owner, when Rebecca Emes retired, together with his son Edward Barnard II, John Barnard and William Barnard, trading under the style Edward Barnard & Sons.

After the retirement of Edward Barnard I the firm was continued by Edward Barnard II (1846-1851), John Barnard I (1846-1868), William Barnard (1846), Edward Barnard III (1868), Walter Barnard (1868-1903), John Barnard II (1868-1903), Michael Barnard (1896-1903), Stanley Barnard (1896-1903) and Robert Dubcock (1896). The firm was converted into a limited liability company in 1910 under the style Edward Barnard & Sons Ltd. In 1977 Edward Barnard & Sons Limited became a subsidiary of Padgett & Braham Ltd

Object Literature

A Tea Caddy is a box, jar, canister, or other receptacle used to store tea. The word is believed to be derived from “catty”, the Chinese pound, equal to about a pound and a third avoirdupois. The earliest examples that came to Europe were Chinese tea canisters in blue and white porcelain with china lids or stoppers. Some of the earliest silver examples have sliding bases (or tops) and the cap was used for measuring the tea. By the mid eighteenth century matching sets were available, with two caddies (for green and black tea) and a sugar bowl, all fitted into a wooden or shagreen case, often with silver mounts. During the late 1700’s the locking silver tea caddy was introduced with its own key which the lady of the house kept on the chatelaine around her waist. Double locking tea caddies in silver are rare.

Object Condition

In very good condition. Fully functional. The hinges and locks are in working order.

Object Details

Dealer Opening Times

By appointment only.

Dealer Contact

Telephone
+44 (0)207 288 1939
Mobile
+44 (0)7904 297419
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Dealer Location

Vault 31-32
The London Silver Vaults
53-64 Chancery Lane
London WC2A 1QS

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